As the calendar flips to March, the world of college basketball enters its most exhilarating phase—conference tournament season. And among all the conference tournaments, few hold as much weight and excitement as the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament. Year after year, this event delivers heart-stopping action, buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and dominant performances from powerhouse programs.
Set against the backdrop of Nashville, Tennessee, the 2025 SEC Basketball Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable editions in recent memory. With an expanded 16-team field, the inclusion of Oklahoma and Texas, and multiple teams vying for top NCAA Tournament seeds, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Bridgestone Arena will host the tournament from March 12 to March 16, serving as the battleground for these elite programs to battle it out for the conference crown.
For basketball fans, this tournament is a dream come true. And for sports bettors, it presents a golden opportunity to make smart wagers, with multiple betting markets available on BetOnline—the go-to sportsbook for SEC tournament betting.
The Road to Nashville: SEC Tournament Structure and Format
This year’s tournament will be particularly grueling, given the increased level of competition and the stakes involved. The format remains the same as previous years, but now with 16 teams, the bracket is even more unpredictable.
The SEC Tournament follows a single-elimination format, with the top four teams receiving double byes, meaning they won’t play until the quarterfinals. This is a significant advantage, as it allows these teams to rest while lower-seeded teams battle through multiple games in consecutive days.
Teams seeded 5 through 10 receive a single bye and will enter in the second round. The bottom six teams start in the first round, needing to win five games in five days to claim the title—a near-impossible feat.
Here’s how the SEC Tournament Bracket is structured:
- First Round (March 12) – The bottom six teams battle for a spot in the second round.
- Second Round (March 13) – Teams seeded 5-10 enter the action.
- Quarterfinals (March 14) – The top four seeds (Auburn, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee) begin their journey.
- Semifinals (March 15) – The four remaining teams fight for a spot in the championship.
- Championship Game (March 16) – The last two teams standing battle for the SEC crown and an automatic NCAA Tournament bid.
Every game is crucial—not just for winning the SEC title, but also for improving NCAA Tournament seeding.
And for bettors, every matchup presents a chance to find value in the SEC betting markets available on BetOnline.
The Favorites: SEC’s Top Contenders
With such a deep field, the SEC Tournament doesn’t have an easy favorite. However, the top four seeds—Auburn, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee—are the clear frontrunners.
Auburn Tigers: The Team to Beat?
The Auburn Tigers enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed, fresh off an impressive regular season. Under head coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn has been a dominant force, playing a high-energy brand of basketball that combines elite defense, fast-paced offense, and three-point shooting.
Their star player, Johni Broome, has been one of the best forwards in the country, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots.
Auburn’s biggest strength is its balanced attack. They have the best defensive efficiency in the SEC while also ranking top three in offensive efficiency.
However, Auburn’s recent loss to Alabama raised some questions about their ability to win big games in neutral environments.
Florida Gators: The Most Complete Team?
Florida has quietly been one of the most consistent teams in the SEC this season. Their inside-out game is as balanced as it gets, with strong post play and elite perimeter shooting.
Their key X-factor is their ability to win close games—something that will be critical in a tournament setting.
Florida enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed, and while they don’t get as much attention as Auburn or Alabama, they have just as much of a chance to win the title.
Alabama Crimson Tide: The Best Offense in the SEC
Alabama’s offense is an absolute juggernaut. Coach Nate Oats has built a team that plays fast, shoots a ton of threes, and scores in bunches.
Their high-octane attack makes them a dangerous team in any single-game setting. However, their defense has been inconsistent, which makes them susceptible to upsets.
That said, if their shots are falling, Alabama is more than capable of running through the bracket and winning it all.
Tennessee Volunteers: Defense Wins Championships?
Tennessee is the best defensive team in the SEC. Head coach Rick Barnes has built a team that relies on suffocating defense to win games.
Their success in the tournament will come down to whether they can score consistently. If shots aren’t falling, they could struggle. But if their offense is clicking, they are one of the most dangerous teams in the field.
Tennessee at +600 on BetOnline offers great value for bettors looking for a solid defensive team with championship potential.
The Sleepers: Teams That Could Shock the SEC
While the top four seeds are favored, the SEC is deep, and several lower-seeded teams could make surprising runs.
Kentucky Wildcats: The Dark Horse
Kentucky is never an underdog, but as the No. 6 seed, they enter the tournament without the usual hype.
Under first-year head coach Mark Pope, the Wildcats have been inconsistent, but they still have NBA talent on their roster.
If Kentucky can put together a complete game, they are more than capable of knocking off a higher seed.
Missouri Tigers: The Longshot Worth Betting On?
Missouri has been a frustrating team to bet on this season. One night, they look like an elite team, and the next, they struggle to beat lower-tier competition.
However, they play an up-tempo style that could create problems for higher-seeded teams.
At 40-to-1 odds on BetOnline, Missouri is worth a longshot bet for those looking for a potential Cinderella story.
Betting Guide: Where’s the Value?
With such a deep field, bettors have plenty of opportunities to find value in the SEC Tournament betting markets on BetOnline.
Here are some of the best bets:
- Auburn to Win the SEC (+150) – If you want the safest bet, this is it.
- Tennessee to Win the SEC (+600) – A solid defensive team with championship pedigree.
- Alabama Over 90.5 Points in Any Game – Their offense is electric.
- Missouri to Make the Semifinals (+2000) – A fun longshot pick.
Final Thoughts: Who Wins the SEC?
The SEC Tournament is wide open, but Auburn, Florida, Alabama, and Tennessee are the most likely winners.
For bettors, BetOnline offers some of the best SEC Tournament odds, and this is the perfect opportunity to cash in on March Madness excitement.
Who will win? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: The SEC Tournament is going to be absolute bedlam.
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